There's No Such Thing as "Just Right"

In case you haven't noticed, we live an a less-than-ideal world and most of us fall quite short of being perfect.  As cancer registrars we have learned the value of having all the facts and data reviewed before we launch a new study or project.  And, while that is still considered the 'best practice' it does not necessarily apply to everything that we do in our registry operations. 

For example, if you are working on a draft of the Annual Report and you need something in hand to take to Cancer Committee, you may want to have as much information completed and ready for review as possible.  But, as the day of the Committee comes closer you realize you didn't have enough time to work on the report as you would have liked.  Some will feel compelled to work overtime hours (usually without pay) or to let another deadline or target date slip to spend hours working on the report.  What you may want to consider, instead, is whether or not your vision of the report for Cancer Committee really needs to as complete as your first envisioned, or would something less still be acceptable. 

All too often we overtax ourselves and our systems trying to make something perfect or complete.  When you find yourself in this situation evaluate what is really needed and what is important at that moment in time.  This will help you make the right decisions.  Your challenge is to get things done - maybe that's why they call it managing.  Don't get bogged down by the idea of perfection.  It does not exist, so take action instead of standing still. 

"Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.'

Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools

you may have at your command, and better tools

will be found as you go along.'

~ Napoleon Hill